Zurich Insurance Company has announced a host of new leadership appointments within its Asia-Pacific (APAC) commercial insurance division.
Robin Cooper-Driver has been appointed as head of financial lines, APAC, while Edward Rayfield takes on the role of head of casualty, APAC. Both will be based in Singapore, according to the Insurance Business Mag.
Zurich Insurance Group is a global insurer offering a range of property, casualty, and life insurance products. With a strong focus on commercial insurance and reinsurance, Zurich provides tailored solutions to businesses worldwide. The company’s APAC division aims to enhance its market presence and support regional growth through strategic appointments.
In their new roles, Cooper-Driver and Rayfield will be responsible for overseeing Zurich’s financial lines and casualty portfolios across the APAC region.
Their tasks include enhancing underwriting capabilities, collaborating with local teams, and driving the company’s strategic growth initiatives. Both leaders will work closely with in-country teams to ensure continued growth and development.
Cooper-Driver brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry to his new role, having spent 13 of those years with Zurich. Most recently, he held dual roles as head of long tail lines for Australia and New Zealand, and head of financial lines for APAC. His leadership at Zurich Australia contributed significantly to the company’s success.
Rayfield, previously with AIG, brings over 14 years of experience in casualty insurance across the London, Australia, and Asia markets. He has held key leadership roles, including head of casualty for Singapore and major accounts in Asia, where he built strong teams and successfully managed portfolios.
In a separate development, Zurich Singapore has also named Nixon Ooi as head of accident and health. Ooi, who brings over a decade of experience, will oversee underwriting, portfolio management, and product development in this segment.
He joins from Chubb, where he was head of accident and health, and has also worked at Tokio Marine Life and InterGlobal. Ooi will report to Alexandra Cowley, Zurich Singapore’s chief underwriting officer.
These leadership changes coincide with the release of Zurich Insurance Group’s first-half 2024 financial results. The company reported a business operating profit (BOP) of $3.99bn, up from $3.72bn in the same period in 2023. Net income attributable to shareholders increased to $3.03bn, compared to $2.49bn in 2023.
Zurich Singapore CEO Liam Burrell said, “Their deep technical knowledge, geographic experience and strong market relationships will be instrumental in delivering leading solutions to our brokers and customers as well as driving profitable growth through underwriting excellence across our Asia-Pacific businesses.”
Zurich Singapore’s chief underwriting officer Alexandra Cowley said, “Ooi’s experience in the accident and health sector, combined with his deep understanding of the regional market, will support Zurich’s efforts to expand its presence in the sector.”
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